Billy Napier provides injury updates on Shemar James, Devin Moore

There have been a handful of injuries for the Florida Gators during their 2023 fall camp. And following a recent practice, head coach Billy Napier updated the status of two players currently on the mend in, Shemar James and Devin Moore.

“Shemar is probably a week to 10 days, I would say, if that makes sense. We’ll probably air on the conservative side. But he’s already made significant progress there,” said Napier.

“Devin Moore is in return to play protocol. Should be a couple of days here; he’ll be back. So, just an upper body injury there. He’ll be back ready to go soon.”

James and Moore are expected to return in time for the Gators’ season opener against Utah at the end of August. So fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their two likely defensive starters will be in the lineup against the Utes.

Still, injuries are not typically seen as a positive. But knowing that both his players will return soon, Napier understands the opportunity their absence provides to some of the younger players.

“It is beneficial for our team. There’s no question that that group as a whole is getting more reps. They’re having to work in different combinations, so the communication piece is important. It really helps you evaluate depth at that position. And it presents opportunity. I think sometimes we view attrition or injury as negative. But reality is if you look at it right, these guys could get a chance to work.”

Napier pleased with new additions for Florida 

There is a lot of young talent that will have the opportunity to take the field this season for the Gators. But first, the majority of them have to get through the growing pains associated with playing at such a high level. 

During the Gators’ fall camps, some players have shined, while a few others still have work to do, something that the Gators’ headman also touched on. Napier addressed why he believes some of the younger players are experiencing growing pains in the fall camp and revealed how he feels about them so far. 

“I’m not disappointed with any of the players that we’ve added to our team. I’m very pleased,” said Napier. “I think the evaluations were spot on. I think the body types are what you would look for. And a lot of these guys are gonna have to play. There’s a lot of height, length, and speed out there.  

“I think, for the most part, they got character, and it’s just gonna be a matter of taking advantage of each meeting, each walkthrough, each practice. And, you know, young players, they haven’t felt the urgency, right? They don’t quite know what it’s like on 3rd down in the Swamp and some of these venues we have to play in on the road. So that’s coming. In the meantime, I think our veteran players are trying to educate them on; hey, look, it’s going to get thick here pretty soon. So, we got to make the most of each opportunity.